There’s No Other Drive-In Restaurant In The World Like This One In Wisconsin

On a warm summer night in Oshkosh, there’s an old drive-up restaurant that shines like a beacon and feels a little bit like paradise. If there are no "Super" burgers and chocolate malts in heaven, then you had better make plans to spend the afterlife at Ardy & Ed's Drive In in Wisconsin. This throwback restaurant is the kind of place that the big chains copy when they want to offer a "retro" atmosphere. It’s the real thing, and at Ardy & Eds and there’s a cold shake and and order of criss cut fries waiting for you.

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Ardy & Ed's is located on the south side of Oshkosh, just steps from the shore of Lake Winnebago. It’s an Oshkosh institution and a must-visit when you’re in town.

The restaurant has a history that stretches more than seven decades. It was founded back in 1948 and while it has changed hands over the years, it retains the name of the owners who purchased the place back in 1960.

Thankfully, not much has changed. Roller skating servers deftly deliver cold root beer and hot hamburgers, just as they did decades ago.

The menu features all the family friendly drive-in favorites, including hamburgers, hot dogs, and cheese curds, as well as classics like a hot beef and a 1948 BBQ sandwich.

But whatever you do, save room for something cold and sweet. The restaurant serves all the soda fountain standards, including old fashioned floats, malts, shakes, and ice cream sundaes.

If you like classic cars, make plans to visit Ardy & Ed's on one of their Cruise Night events. Dozens of classic cars descend on the drive in – it’s essentially a free car show and it’s like stepping back in time!

The word is out on Ardy & Ed’s Drive In in Wisconsin. The establishment has been featured on numerous media outlets, including CNN, Travel Channel, and the Cooking Channel and it was included in Frommer’s "500 Places for Food & Wine Lovers." See for yourself why the attention is so well deserved. Ardy & Ed’s hours vary seasonally - learn more and see a menu on the restaurant’s website. If you love unusual Wisconsin restaurants, here are some of the most unique spots in Wisconsin.